Prague's Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is part of the small Prague district called Josefov.

It's a very short distance from Old Town Square and is vital to understanding the depth of Prague's history.

This area is thought-provoking, somber and fascinating.

Here you will find a variety of monuments, synagogues, exhibitions and the incredibly moving Old Jewish Cemetery.

It's best to set aside a day to tour the area. You won't regret it.

This page lists the significant sights in the Jewish Quarter. All of them except the Old New Synagogue are directed by the Prague Jewish Museum.

Jewish Quarter: 7 main parts

There are 7 key elements to this area, so it can be a little overwhelming.

Most monuments are synagogues with a lot of history and touring done inside.

If you don't have time for an extensive visit, we recommend at least visiting the cemetery and Ceremonial Hall.

Klaus Synagogue

The Klaus Synagogue is located next to the Old Jewish Cemetery and Old Ceremonial Hall.

It houses a permanent exhibition detailing Jewish customs and traditions in traditional Jewish families - including birth, bar mitzvah, weddings, etc.

Maisel Synagogue

The Maisel Synagogue was founded in 1590 by the Mayor of Jewish Town. Like many buildings in Prague, it was damaged by fire so today's look is different from the original. But, its halls and position among other buildings in the area is very impressive.

It includes an extensive historical exhibition about Jews in Bohemia and Moravia - "From the First Settlements to the Emancipation.

Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue is one of the newest parts of the Jewish Quarter and is a remarkable contrast to other parts of the area. It was built in 1868 in a Moorish style with incredible interior designs that include Islamic motifs.

TIP: To witness the synagogue from a different perspective, consider attending one of the many concerts performed here.

Old Jewish Cemetery

If you don't have much time, make a point to at least visit this cemetery. It's startling scene will last with you for a long while.

The first tombstone dates to 1439 and today there are roughly 12,000 tombstones altogether. Through the centuries, there wasn't space for new burials so the dead began to be buried in layers on top of each other.

Ceremonial Hall

This small building once housed the mortuary for the Old Jewish Cemetery. It was built in the early 20th century.

Today, it houses an exhibition about Jewish customs and traditions - similar to that of the Klaus Synagogue.

Pinkas Synagogue

The Pinkas Synagogue was built in 1535 and after WWII was converted into a memorial to the Jews of Bohemia and Moravia that were killed by the Nazis. All of the nearly 80,000 victims of the Holocaust have their names inscribed into the interior walls.

The synagogue has a permanent exhibition about the Holocaust and children's drawings from the Terezin concentration camp.

Old New Synagogue

This is Europe's oldest still active synagogue. It was built in 1270 and was considered then to be the 'New' synagogue. As the 16th century rolled around other synagogues took shape and it took its current name.

NOTE: The Old New Synagogue is technically not part of the Jewish Museum collective. But, you can buy a ticket just for this synagogue or a separate ticket that includes all sights on this page.